MUNCLE MIKES · CASTING GUIDE

BywaymanEagle graphics, Getty and Race Truck

The dark-chrome pickup labeled Race Truck on its 1995 card is a Bywayman release. Its large red number 1, Chevrolet lettering and chunky tires make a better identification starting point than the broad Race Truck name.

1995 Racing Metals Race Truck, item 13323. Reflections make the dark-chrome finish look lighter. Photo: South Texas Diecast.

Race Truck on the card, Bywayman casting

Collector #336, item 13323, is number 1 of four in the Racing Metals series. The catalog describes dark chrome, red-and-white Chevrolet racing decoration, a red interior and chunky tires. It lists black-tinted and black Malaysia base versions.

The carded photograph shows the side decoration and series banner, but leaves the underside hidden. A bright reflection from the body cannot establish its base finish.

Inspect the bed and chrome-colored surface

Look along the bed rails, hood edges and cab corners for rubbed plating. Photograph both sides in softer light; bright reflections can hide scratches or make a dark finish appear almost silver.

Check the red upright detail behind the cab for damage, and include all four wheels in the condition record. Record any replacements rather than assuming a shiny truck remains untouched.

Keep the series names straight

This is a 1995 Racing Metals release with Race Truck as its package name. Do not identify it from a later series name alone.

The Racing Metals Ramp Truck is number 2 in the same series. Use the loose-car checklist when the original card is missing.

Two colors share collector number 77

Maroon Bywayman with Eagle side graphics on collector number 77 packaging — Maroon item 1518 on a number-77 card. This small archival image establishes the package presentation, not fine condition. Photo: South Texas Diecast Collectors.

Black Bywayman with yellow and turquoise Eagle graphics and red cab detail on number 77 packaging — Black item 2196, also collector number 77. Photo: South Texas Diecast Collectors.

The maroon number-77 entry is listed for 1990; the black version follows in 1991. Maroon also appears in the 1989 Trailbusters records. Number 77 is therefore not enough to date a loose truck or identify its color.

Look at the eagle itself. The black truck has blue or turquoise details recorded alongside yellow and white; the maroon version uses black in that layout. Both have a red interior listed. The maroon release also has more than one wheel treatment documented.

For a loose example, photograph the whole side in even light, then move closer to the lettering and stars. Wear can remove a thin printed line while leaving the larger eagle intact. Compare the wheels on both sides, and check the red upright behind the cab for a broken tip.

The yellow Getty truck

Two yellow Bywayman Getty promotional pickups, one loose and one in a clear bag — Getty reference showing the yellow body, side logo and striped decoration. Photo: South Texas Diecast Collectors.

The Getty entry is listed for 1992, with red, white and purple stripes and a black interior. It is a different release from the yellow Eagle-decorated truck. Start with the door logo rather than the body color.

The photograph includes a bagged example, but does not prove that an unrelated loose truck still has its original packaging. Check the logo edges, bed rails and front corners on the actual truck. Avoid dating a yellow Bywayman from a copied 1993 title alone.